As part of its goal of fostering strong, meaningful ties between the Jewish people and the State of Israel, Maccabi World Union (MWU) runs a number of Israel-experience programs. Operating under the banner of MWU, these programs bring many first-time visitors to Israel; visitors who might never have come to Israel were it not for MWU.

In addition to providing participants with a unique experience and introduction to Israeli life, these trips serve to build and strengthen connections between Diaspora Jewry and Israel. In some cases, our programs serve as the first step toward aliyah.

We run a wide variety of trips lasting anywhere from ten days to many months. These trips include leadership training programs, programs for Jewish educators and trips for Jewish families. Participants may choose from among the following Israel programs:

• Taglit-Birthright Israel website.
• MWU is also hosting a number of teen trips to Israel over the course of the summer including:
• The Michael-Ann Russell JCC (Miami Fl) Teen Trip from June 23rd – July 19th.
• The Emma Kaufmann JCC (Pittsburgh, PA) Teen Trip from June 24th –July 17th.
• The Kingswood, Chi and Seneca Lake Israel Discovery program from July 1st – July 29th.
• The JCC Scranton, PA winter Teen Trip from December 20-30, 2009.
• The Ultimate Jewish Adventure Summer. This 34-day teen trip includes an exploration of Jewish life in historic Europe and modern Israel. With stops in England, Belgium, Holland, France and Israel, participants experience a world of Jewish culture. Participants will receive 12 hours of community service credit for the trip, which, in addition to visits to historic sites in Israel and Europe, includes hikes, stops at popular tourist destinations and a taste of modern Israeli life.
• Europe and Israel Hi-Tech Adventure. This teen-trip includes a visit to Jewish sites in Europe as well as two-weeks of computer camp in Israel. The Israel portion of the trip includes visits to the Israel Institute of Technology (Technion), training with an Israeli Air Force flight simulator and meetings with many prominent figures in Israel’s tech industry. In addition, the Israel program includes a Shabbat in Jerusalem and visits to Masada and the Dead Sea. Participants will receive 12 hours of community service credit for the trip.
• Israel Hi-Tech Adventure. The eCamp Israel summer program for youth aged 10 to 18 is a unique opportunity for participants to advance their technical skills while taking part in an exciting Israel experience. The camp is divided into three age groups, each catering to their specific needs and interests. Programming includes visits to the Israel Institute of Technology (Technion), training with an Israeli Air Force flight simulator and meetings with many prominent figures in Israel’s tech industry. In addition, participants will spend a Shabbat in Jerusalem and visit Masada and the Dead Sea. Participants will receive 12 hours of community service credit for the trip.
• Israel Discovery These teen trips, which run throughout the summer, are a 10-day immersion in Israeli life. These ten-day tours include visits to Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv, beaches along the Mediterranean coast, the Galilee and the Judean Desert as well as an overnight trip to a kibbutz.
• Extended Israel Discovery This 23-day trip for teens aged 15 to 18 from across the United States includes visits to sites across Israel, hikes, an archeological dig, a Bedouin experience and other Israel adventures. This non-denominational Jewish experience includes meetings with Israeli teens and a unique opportunity to explore your heritage in a relaxed, inviting manner.
• Maccabi Bar/Bat Mitzvah Programs MWU organizes family trips to Israel to celebrate the bar/bat mitzvah of a loved one. These trips include both a family and a group option with Maccabi taking care of all the particulars including arranging for a ceremony at the Western Wall or synagogue, guided tours to noted museums in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as well as guided trips to the Dead Sea, the north and Eilat.
• Massa Overseas Student Program at Zinman College, of the Wingate Institute This program includes a study program at Israel’s famed Wingate Institute. Participants meet with a wide range of Israelis and gain a foothold in Hebrew and Israeli culture through a special course taught by Wingate’s Dr. Ben-Gal. Other activities included in the program include academic studies, work towards a coach’s diploma, sports activities, and study tours throughout the country. All courses are taught by Wingate’s experienced educators.